Apparatus for branching artificial flowers



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

I. BIRGE. APPARATUS FOR BRANOHING ARTIFIGIAL PLOWBRS,-&c. No. 418,489.Patented Dec. 31, 1889.

(Nvo ModeL) 2 Sheets-Sheet .2. I. BIRGE. FOR BRANGHING ARTIFICIALFLOWERS, &o.

APPARATUS Patented Dec. 31, 1889.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ISIDORE BIRGF, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

APPARATUS FOR BRANCHING ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS, 80C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 418,489, dated December31, 188 9. Application filed March 9, 1889. Serial No. 302,682. (Nomodel.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ISIDORE BIRGE, a citizen of the United States,residing in the city and county of Philadelphia,State of Pennsylvania,have invented a new and useful Improvement in Apparatus for BranchingArtificial Flowers and Trimmings, which improvement is fully set forthin the following specification and accompanying drawings.

My invention consists of an apparatus for branching artificial flowersand trimmings, the same embodying a frame or bars having at one or bothends swivels or hooks to which the foundation of the branch of flowersor trimmings are connected. By these means the apparatus may be operatedby hand or power, the branching conveniently accomplished in aperpendicular or approximately perpendicular direction of the work, thespray may be equally balanced and injurious handling of the sameobviated, a larger per cent. of work being accomplished, and the work isneater and cleaner than heretofore.

The figures represent perspective views of an apparatus for branchingartificial flowers and trimmings embodying my invention.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in thedrawings.

Referring to the drawings, A designates a table to which is connected astandard or post B, from whose upper and lower ends project thehorizontal arms 0, forming together an upright frame.

D designates rotatable hooks, which are connected by swivels B to thearms 0, so as to be capable of rotation, the latter being ac complishedby hand, as in Figure 1, and by power, as in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2 theshanks of the hooks have connected with them the pulleys D, around whichpasses an endless belt or band E, the latter also passing aroundguide-pulleys F G, in lieu of which suitable gearing may be employed.Freely mounted on the shaft of the pulley G is an arm H, which carries apawl J, the latter engaging with a ratchet K, secured to the shaft ofsaid pulleyG. Connected with the arm II is a rod, cord, or chain L, towhich isattached the foottreadle M, and also connected with said arm isa weighted cord M, which passes around a guide-pulley N, mounted on theframe B 0, said weighted cord having for its object the return of thearm H, and consequently the pawl J, to its normal position, it beingseen that when the treadle is depressed the arm H is advanced, wherebythe pawl J, engaging with one of the teeth of the ratchet K, rotatessaid ratchet, so that motion is imparted to the belt E, the effect ofwhich is the rotation of the pulleys D, and consequently of the hooks D.W'hen the treadle is allowed to rise, the pawl is carried back over theteeth of the ratchet, so as to take fresh hold of the latter preparatoryto the next motion of the treadle. If desired, a treadle and wheel maybe employed for making a complete revolution in lieu of the intermittingmotion of the ratchet. The cord, wire, tubing, chenille, or otherfoundation P of the branch or spray of flowers or trimmings is connectedwith the hooks D, and the flowers, leaves, 850., are successivelyapplied to said foundation, .and as applied they are secured in positionby the fastening cord, strip, or wire Q, it being seen that as thefoundation P is rotated the wire, &c., is wound or twisted around thestems of the flowers, &c., and said foundation, whereby the work offorming a branch or spray of flowers is expeditiously and easilyaccomplished, avoiding tiring of the fingers or hands, it being evidentthat as the work progrosses the branch or spray is equally balanced andinjurious handling of the same is avoided.

It is evident that the apparatus is applicable 'to the manufacture oflong and short branches and sprays of flowers, piquets, seed, ortassels, fringes, trimmings, fruit, &c.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An apparatus for branching artificial flowers, consisting of astandard having arms at the ends thereof, and rotatable hooks connectedwith said arms by means of swivels, the latter being attached to saidhooks and mounted in said arms, said parts being combined substantiallyas described.

2. An apparatus for branching artificial flowers, consisting of astandard with arms at the ends thereof, swivels mounted in said arms,hooks attached to said swivels, pulleys connected with said swivels, andan endless belt passing around said pulleys, said parts being combinedsubstantially as described.

3. An apparatus for branching artificial flowers, consisting of astandard With arms 0 C at upper and lower ends thereof, the connectedhooks D, swiveled in said arms, the pulleys D on said hooks,guide-pulleys F and G, the endless belt E, the ratchet-Wheel K and arm Hon the shaft of the pulley G, the 10 pulley N, the Weighted cord M,secured to said arm H, and the rod L, with treadle M, said parts beingcombined substantially as described.

ISIDORE BIRGE. Witnesses:

JOHN A. WIEDERsHEIM,

A. P. JENNINGS.

